Bugis Street: Singapore’s iconic market gets a Gen Z refresh

Who remembers spending hours browsing the aisles on the second level of Bugis Street for affordable streetwear and accessories back in the day? We know we do.

But trends shift fast, and rents don’t wait for anyone. By April this year, Bugis Street had started to feel like a ghost town. In fact, The Straits Times reported that just 20 of its roughly 100 shops were still open, many of them hidden away from the main escalators and staircases.

That being, the iconic market was due for a makeover and the sprawling shopping complex is having a revival, with a slew of new creative stores offering everything from pre-loved fashion and accessories to quirky photobooths and workshops in its experience-led concept centering creativity and community; calling back its Gen Zs who once had Bugis Street as their go-to hangout spot. 

Today, you’ll find spaces like Somewhere @ Bugis Street, retail playground featuring pre-loved fashion goods, indie brands, creative workshops, and a weekend market with around 40 local vendors, along with a curated mix of local independent brands. 

So get your wallets ready and free up your weekends; Bugis Street is getting a makeover, and we’re here for it. Here are all the experiences and stores you can expect. 

Somewhere @ Bugis Street

If you’re a creative, you’re guaranteed to find something you love at Somewhere @ Bugis Street. The space brings together curated pre-loved items, indie and local brands, creative workshops, alongside amenities such as an exclusive lounge, podcast rooms, open-deck turntables, and interactive rooms. 

On the weekends, visitors can shop around their market place which features around 40 booths offering pre-loved fashion and accessories, handmade trinkets, collectibles, second-hand cameras, vinyls, and more. 

Ruby Merlot

You’ve probably seen their iconic studded leather journal covers all over TikTok – now, you can shop them at Ruby Merlot’s first physical store in Singapore at Bugis Street. Founded in Singapore and operating out of Seoul, Ruby Merlot designs the coolest wearable companions, from bags to journals, that are sophisticated with a touch of edge. When you’re there, you can also enjoy experiences like journal customisation, weekend junk journaling sessions, and community gathering events. It’s a space to meet like-minded people, swap ideas and create together.

Creamie Sippies 

Creamie Sippies began as a humble homegrown brand brewing drinks live on TikTok. Now, they offer a slew of specialty coffee, matcha and coconut drinks and are even the first cafe in Singapore to feature a matcha mill. The brand will also debut its newest concept, a Banana Pudding Bar, at Bugis Street, where guests can create their own banana pudding with custom toppings, sauces, and seasonal specials, alongside Creamie Sippies’ mini signature beverages for a personalised treat.

Other highlights from their menu also include their Coconut Taro Latte ($9.90), Banana Bread Latte ($8.90), a Mango Matcha Latte ($8.90).

White Pixies 

If you’re looking for your next date idea, check out White Pixies, Singapore’s first dedicated Candle Bar experience where customers can explore the art of scent and wax through seven signature workshops, including personalised candle-making, perfume balm charms, and diffuser experiences. Their candles are also made with no paraffin, and only with pure soy wax, natural beeswax, cotton wicks, and premium fragrance oils.  

Standard Photo Studio 

Seen the adorable Dim Sum photobooth set up on your For You Page lately? That’s Standard Photo Studio, which offers playful self-shoot concepts across four uniquely themed booths, including a locally inspired Hawker Room Here, you can snap classic photo strips and head to the DIY station, where you can decorate your own photo keychains with unlimited beads. 

New stores are also on their way to the revamped Bugis Street, including Myth Jinn Escape Room, a first and exclusive in Singapore, along with Xcape Singapore at the expanded and refreshed location.